June '10

TNT

June 18th, 2010

The diners of AFDA headed to the newly opened Tacos and Tequila (TNT) on the corner of 5th and Pressler. This hot spot could not have been more hopping. Every table from the patio to bar seating was full. Almost as if Austinites were so thankful for yet another place to dine and drink. We had a reservation, and thank goodness because the wait was an hour. We sat down at our long narrow table by the bar, and focused on the orders to be made. Unfortunately, the service was almost non-existent. We waited quite a long time to order drinks, though water, chips and a trio of salsa were served. They were delicious, but barely tided us over as we waited. Once the poor overwhelmed waitress made her way to the table, we ordered drinks and food as fear of her never coming back set in. The margarita and tequila list is extensive. The restaurant serves over 100 types of tequilas. They feature a tequila on tap served at a chilled 15 degrees. Yes we ordered it, and yes because it took a while, it was not so chilled. We chose the Citrus Margarita (corzo silver, organic agave nectar, fresh squeezed orange & lime juice), Modern Paloma (gran centenario, ruby red grapefruit, fresh squeezed lime juice, grapefruit soda), the Ultimate 1800 Margarita (1800 reposado, Grand Marnier, fresh squeezed lime juice), and a few cervezas. The restaurant was out of all frozen margaritas, which would have changed our orders a bit. They ran out of Dos Equis as well, but luckily had plenty more to choose from. The drink menu features tequila flights, which for any tequila lover should be tried. We stuck with the mixed creations of margaritas. The best by far was the Paloma. Great balance with the essence of grapefruit. For food, we started with the Good Karma guacamole. This guac is mixed to order on a guacamole cart. Fifty cents from every good karma guacamole order supports Urban Roots, a youth development program in Austin that teaches sustainable farming. Not only is it heavenly, but you feel good eating it. Our guac cart guy even juggled for us, yes juggled. We had the Classic Queso as well. Beef chorizo, wild mushroom, and spinach artichoke are other queso choices. You can go for the queso flight if you're feeling cheesy. For entrees, many of us chose the Taco Platter (3 tacos and choice of side). We picked everything thing from Corn Crusted Chicken (roasted coriander and cumin, pickled red onions, pobalno ranch sauce), BBQ Pulled Pork (brushed with BBQ ranchera sauce, pickled red onions, jalepeno relish), Korean Short Ribs (beef short ribs brushed with korean bbq glaze, TNT kim chee relish), and Rojo Shrimp (jicama slaw, guajillo mayo, mango relish, rubbed in recado rojo seasoning, brushed with ginger chipotle baste). Big side pick were the Black bean adobe pie and Ginger Rice. Fantatic! I was a fan of the ginger rice for sure. Another entree pick was the Mixed Grill Skewer Platter (chile glazed steak, chipolte chicken, rojo shrimp with chimayo market corn). Great presentation and all really tasty. The Chimayo market corn is similar to the roasted corn with mayonnaise and chili found at the Fiesta mart in town. Not as good, but still delicious. Yes mayo and chile are amazing on corn. The favorites were the Corn Crusted Chicken and Korean Short Ribs hands down. We ordered a few more drinks and peopled watched galore. Apparently happy hour is awesome at TNT. Complimentary quesadillas from 4-6:30 and $4 Blue Margartias and more with $2.25Draft Beer. Not bad at all. We all agreed we'd like to head back in a month or two when the kinks have been worked out. Affordable and tasty. Definitely a great place to incorporate in your Downtown Austin eating.

Top Picks: Taco Platter with Corn Crusted Chicken, Korean Short Ribs, Chipolte Chicken (not ordered but recommended), Ginger Rice, Good Karma Guacomole, Paloma.

TNT (Tacos & Tequila)
Twitter: @TnTacosTequila

Urban Roots